First-Year International Students

Complete the international student application. Be sure that your name appears exactly as it does on your passport.

Email the following information to internationalstudents@clarkstate.edu.

• Copy of passport: identification information and expiration date.
• Copies of VISA
• Copies of current and previous I-20s
• Proof of high school graduation: Diploma or certificate translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language.
• Transcripts from any U.S. college or university attended
• Evidence of English language proficiency: Proof of one of the following criteria:
  • English as your native language
  • Official transcripts from a U.S. college/university with a grade C or better in English courses (Does not include English as a Second Language.)
  • TOEFL /Test of English as a Foreign Language internet test score of 60 or higher, paper test score of 500 or higher
  • IELTS/International English Language Testing System score of 5.0 or higher
  • Duolingo score of 80 or higher
• Evidence of financial support.
  • You and your sponsor(s) must complete the Statement of Financial Support on the application to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover educational and living expenses
  • Your sponsor must also provide current financial documentation, such as bank statements, employment/salary letters, tax returns, etc. The documentation must be less than six months old, include the sponsor’s name and signed by the appropriate bank or government official.

Once you receive an I-20 from Clark State, you should complete the steps below to apply for an F-1 visa for permission to enter the United States for educational purposes. Canadian citizens with a valid passport do not need to apply for a F-1 visa.

• Pay SEVIS fee
  • The SEVIS fees fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The fee must be paid at least three business days before your interview.
  • Pay SEVIS fee online (recommended)
  • Pay the SEVIS fee by mail
  • SEVIS FAQ
• Schedule a visa appointment with a U.S. Embassy in your country
  • Since you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you need to meet with a U.S. Embassy consular officer to show your intention to return home after receiving your education in the United States
  • Find your U.S. Embassy
• Gather documents for F-1 visa appointment
  You are required to provide the following documents at your F-1 visa appointment:
  • Completed DS-160 (link “DS-160”: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/) from the appropriate U.S. consulate
  • Passport (must be valid for at least six months from the date of your appointment
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • I-20 from Clark State College
  • Documented evidence of the funding listed on your I-20
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
  • Evidence of your intention to return home after receiving your education in the United States. This may include evidence of:
    • strong personal, financial, academic and/or professional ties to your home country,
    • property, real estate or land ownership in your home country
    • financial holdings in your home country
    • ownership of a car or other liquid assets
    • spouse, children or significant other family relatives in your home country
    • permanent employment offers in the home country
    • strong religious or civic ties to your local community
    • a statement explaining you plan to leave the U.S. at the end of your program and return to your home country

Contact Nina Wiley, assistant vice president of student affairs, atwileyn@clarkstate.edu to discuss next steps.